The hallway is the most regularly-used room in a home and so it deserves to look good. It also needs to work hard on a practical level, providing useful storage and being able to withstand heavy traffic. These clever entryway ideas will help you design a foyer space that’s both beautiful, functional and welcoming. Click or scroll for more...

Not only is panelling on-trend, but it also makes a practical solution for protecting walls in high traffic areas such as the entryway. Use pre-cut panels to get this sophisticated look on a budget. It can also be an alternative method of adding a two-tone colour effect. 

Narrow hallways can often be the darkest areas of the home so lighten the look with light-toned flooring. Vinyl is a budget-friendly option and (depending on your pattern) can create a seamless and spacious look. It also has the benefit of being waterproof and so coming home during rainy days is not a problem.

Be sure you look the part before you leave the house by adding a full-length mirror to your hallway. A large floor-standing style will add character to your space and the expansive reflective surface will increase light to maximise the sense of space. 

Create a calming environment from the moment you walk through the door. Keep only the bare minimum on show in the hallway by hiding shoes and coats out of sight in closed storage. Choose surfaces and furniture in a coherent and soothing neutral tone. Finally, only display simple accessories that offer quality craftmanship or usefulness. 

Make the most of a small entryway with a few pops of stand-out colour tones. The Otto House has started their compact hallway scheme with a neutral backdrop and then layered the space with bright and pastel tones that create fun and happy welcome. We particularly love the yellow vintage-style draws that look as though it was custom made for the tiny hallway corner. 

Give your hallway a 'cottagecore' vibe with shiplap panels for added protection and a bespoke built-in wooden storage bench. Natural wood floors and country-style door will enhance the rustic charm. Rural staples like a boot stand and a basket of chopped wood will seal the deal. 

When it comes to storage, square baskets slid onto shelves, trunks stacked on the floor and belly baskets hung from peg rails all make easy solutions for winter gloves, scarves and hats – plus they can be moved around easily. Choose organic materials to inject some natural texture and warmth into your hallway.  

In narrow hallways, tiered furniture is practical as it naturally takes up less floor space without compromising on storage capacity, thanks to the layered shelving. Iron and wood designs channel industrial style, while the open nature keeps the room from looking too full with furniture. A factory- style task lamp will complete the look and keep the space well-lit when needed. 

Hallways can bear the brunt of lots of 'in and out' activity, so help protect the walls from nicks and scrapes by tiling them midway, as you might in a bathroom. These deep teal tiles have been laid in a super-stylish geometric pattern, with a white accent colour to keep a refreshing balance and prevent the room from looking too dark. 

Victorian-style statement floor tiles are both hardwearing and beautiful in the hallway. Opt for an intricate and symmetrical design, such as these, with a muted palette that will help to enhance a small space. Complete the look by painting woodwork in a colour to complement the tiles and traditional yet opulent foyer furniture that mimics the conservative era. 

Nothing transforms a hallway more easily and cost-effectively than a new doormat. With so many shapes, colours and designs to choose from, you can completely change the vibe of your entrance in an instant, whether it's a new season change or simply a style refresh. Just remember to check that it's made of a hardwearing material, such as coir or jute, for optimum shoe-wiping capabilities! 

Bounce light around your hallway by going for reflective surfaces where you can, on furniture, floors and even paint – especially if you've chosen a darker colour scheme. Small hallways often lack windows, which can make your space feel dark, but you can get around this by installing a glazed front door (or semi-glazed) instead, to allow plenty of light to flood the room. 

If your hallway opens directly into a reception room, why not define the different areas using furniture or flooring? This modern herringbone floor, for example, has been laid with bold monochrome chevrons to welcome guests as they enter the hallway, and then blends into a warm wood tone the further you go into the living space.  
 

Sophisticated radiator covers not only keep old designs hidden, but their boxed nature means you have a ready-made slim shelf for displaying accessories, keeping a letter rack or even a handy key store.

Need a home for that much-loved new statement chair? Don't rule out the hallway – it's a great choice as not only will it be the first thing guests see when they enter your home, but it also makes putting on shoes that much easier! 

If you're lucky enough to have a large hallway, but feel it's looking a little sparse, then try adding a central table for a traditional touch. A circular style is ideal, as it lacks any sharp corners to knock yourself on when you're coming or going. Finish with a large bouquet of seasonal flowers that you can change for events and seasons. 

A smart striped carpet in the hallway is not only great for hiding dirt, but the subtle pattern creates an illusion that there is more length (or width, if it's laid horizontally) to the room. Double the impact by paring back the rest of the scheme with a neutral colour palette that will help draw the eye down to the carpet and make it the star of the show. 

Need some light in your hallway but short on space? Opt for wall sconces, which attach directly to the wall, meaning they take up less floor space, and create ambient lighting that directs either up or down, depending on your choice of design. 

Add pattern to your hallway without compromising the feel of open space by wallpapering your fifth wall: the ceiling. The modern geometric design, shown here, draws the eye upwards to show off the country-style bleached wood beams and statement ceiling, creating a stylish decorative effect.

We all know that tiles are a highly practical flooring option for the hallway, but they're also a great way to make a statement in one of the smaller rooms. Encaustic tiles are a timeless choice that won’t go out of style and will sit comfortably in both a classic or contemporary scheme.

A narrow table is the ultimate pretty-but-practical addition to a hallway. It provides storage for keys and other bits and pieces, as well as a surface on which to display photographs, candles and trinkets. Frame the table with a vase, lamp and a mirror overhead.

Grab one last look and check your hair before you head out the door by hanging a stylish wall mirror. Of course, mirrors are also light-enhancing solutions and work perfectly if you want to create the illusion of a lighter, brighter room

Railway-style luggage racks are an excellent choice for a narrow hallway, giving you a spot to hang coats and hats without taking up too much room. You can hunt down beautiful vintage luggage racks at flea markets and online, often at bargain prices, while modern recreations may give you the bonus of extra features, like additional coat hooks. 

If you have a large and busy household, why not install box storage where everything has its rightful place? This can be a great solution for cutting down on time spent tripping over each other trying to find coats and keys in the morning. 

Don't just use the hallway as a place to dump your bag and shoes at the end of the day – give it the same love and attention that you would any room. Adding greenery will make it feel a more homely space and is great for your wellbeing, too, giving you a nice welcome as you walk through the door. 

A vintage dresser or wardrobe can stand in as a console table in a wider hallway, giving you extra storage and adding character to the space. Complete the look with complementary pieces, like an ornate wall mirror and comfy armchair. 

It’s always nice to be welcomed home to the cosy glow of soft lighting, especially on a dark, cold night and adding a lamp to your hallway gives you the option of layering your lighting according to need, so you don't always have to rely on your main light. A good tip is to hook up your lamp to a switch by the front door, so you don’t have to fumble your way across the dark hallway to turn it on. 

It's easy to reserve the space under your stairs for the vacuum cleaner and broom, but why not transform it into a home office with a desk, cupboards, shelves and a noticeboard instead? If you have enough room to pull up a chair and comfortably walk behind it, then there's plenty of space for a desk. 

Families can have a lot of stuff that often gets dumped as soon as you are through the front door, so keep it tidy by giving little ones their own special storage and encouraging them to use it. Low-level hooks look funky and make it easy for kids to hang their own coats, while a bench beneath offers a practical place for the many shoes and boots you each own.

Who said internal doors have to be white or bare wood? Make a real style statement by painting them in a welcoming hue. This looks fantastic when several doors lead onto the hallway and better still when they are different colours! Coordinate the look with matching (or contrasting!) skirting boards, door frames and even stair treads. 

To create a sense of cohesion throughout your home, use the same flooring from the hallway in other ground-level rooms. Wood and laminate are ideal for areas that get heavy footfall, as they are long-lasting and durable. Our top tip? Lay the planks so they run away from the door to increase that sense of space.

Hallways naturally get a lot of traffic with people coming and going in dirty footwear, and can be difficult to keep clean. Combat this by using suitable heavy-duty mats – pop a rubber mat outside and a coir one inside and you'll notice a difference.

Give visitors something to talk about with a new and exciting paint effect. Two-tone walls with a darker block colour at the bottom are a hot decorating trend and work particularly well in hallways where white walls get dirty quickly. 

The same thing goes for wall colours. While this royal blue might feel a bit much for a whole living room, it brings a splash of richness to this hallway when used in one small area, and will raise a smile every time you walk past it. 

Hallways often end up far down the list of decorating jobs and can end up looking lacklustre and boring. Instead, have fun with this space and use it to try out bold and bright schemes. The bold star-effect pattern on these tiles makes a real statement.

When you open the front door, you want guests to think "Wow!", so give them something to talk about by showing off a piece of striking furniture. This yellow-gold console table is luxury at another level. If you can't stretch to its price tag, then why not spray paint a reclaimed piece yourself? 

Even the smallest of spaces can usually have a piece of furniture squeezed in to serve as a hallway station. A tiny bench is perfect for perching on while you put your shoes on, and you can always give a plain design a splash of colour, like this one, for an inviting look.

Never go out into the world without a smile and, if you need a reminder, a wall of uplifting greetings will do the job. Not only will it see you off in a happier mood, but it also brings joy to guests. Plus, it's a brilliant spot to display photographs, trinkets and other memorabilia.

Open up a narrow hallway with a scheme in light and neutral colours. Soft greys, combined with whites and gentle pastels, are ideal for this part of the home as they're soothing shades and not overpowering. 

For areas that will have a lot of footfall, hardwearing floors are best and you can't go wrong with solid, porcelain tiles that are extremely durable and easy to keep clean. The realistic natural stone finish not only looks stunning but is a practical choice, too.

In today's modern world of emails and text messaging, we don't tend to get much in the way of post (unless it's nasty bills!), but don't just leave the ones you do receive lying on the doormat. Give them a little spot on a nearby console table to keep them neat and tidy, and free from getting lost or chewed by the dog!

Bold, dramatic carpet is making a comeback and we couldn't be more excited. But if you're a little on the nervous side and running a statement design through your main living space feels you with dread, then keep to smaller zones. Hallways and up the stairs are brilliant spots to make a feature with carpet.

For a scheme that will stand the test of time and never go out of fashion, the classic look is a trusted choice. It works particularly well in a hallway when you add an elegant hat stand, shoe cupboard and storage bench all together for a homely feel.

A hallway is the perfect spot to curate a display of trinkets and collectables – an antique telephone looks wonderful here, as you can see. A sweet bench and small side table makes for an idyllic spot to sit and read, reflect or chat on the phone (which we guess will probably not be a landline!). 

Install windows either side of the front door and above, if you can fit them, to allow natural light to flood in and make your space feel nice and airy. This isn't just for large hallways either – small entrances can be gloomy and will really benefit from some glazing to help brighten them up. 

Add character to your hallway by creating a gallery wall that shows off favourite works of art. Because hallways are spaces that you tend to pass through, rather than spend time relaxing in, you can get away with bolder prints and colours than you might do in, say, a living room or bedroom.

At the other end of the colour spectrum, a hallway also gives you the freedom to play with dark, moody tones that you might not feel comfortable using in other rooms. It’s usually a good idea to keep one element of the space light – the floor, for example – so the scheme feels smart rather than oppressive. 

Hallways can also stand to take a bold wallpaper. If splashing out on floor-to-ceiling wallpaper is outside your budget, try hanging wallpaper only above or below dado height, using an affordable paint on the other portion. 

The right runner can transform your staircase from being a simple means of getting from A to B into a stand-out design feature that greets you when you walk in through the front door. Some runners come as part of a matching carpet range, so you can continue the design on the floors of your hallway and landing as well. 

If you can’t stretch to a runner or aren’t so keen on carpet, a painted runner can look just as effective. Add your all-over base colour to the stairs, then mark out where you want your 'runner' to go, using a ruler and pencil, then follow your lines with masking tape before carefully painting the runner in your chosen colour. 

Wood panelling is a practical and characterful choice for your hallway walls as it's robust and quick to wipe down, and easy to repaint should it become too scuffed. It will work in most rooms, but looks particularly fitting in country or coastal schemes. 

The trend for lush indoor planting shows no signs of abating and this beautiful fern-print wallpaper taps into our need for greenery perfectly. The botanical pattern adds interest to an area that all too often becomes workaday, while still keeping the overall look effortlessly stylish. A storage bench and a painted pot stand finish the decor perfectly. 

Flagstones are an exceptionally hardwearing flooring choice and are a staple of country hallways. The beauty of flagstones is that they gain in character the more worn and scuffed they become, making them perfect for homes that welcome in muddy boots and pets. 

If you want to make a big opening statement in your hallway, geometric tiles in a bold colour palette are a good way to go. Keep pattern to a minimum in the rest of the space to allow the tiles to take centre stage and prevent the overall look from feeling too busy. 

Adding a rug or runner to your hallway will instantly make the space feel more warm and welcoming. Make sure you choose a hardwearing design, ideally in a flat weave to minimise the risk of tripping. Double-sided carpet tape will prevent the rug from slipping out of place. 

Get creative by painting your stairs with numbers, words, patterns, rainbow colours, or even trompe l’oeil designs – one particularly imaginative option is to paint the riser of each step as if it is the spine of a favourite book. 

The space under your stairs is the perfect place to sneak in some extra hallway storage. A mixture of open and closed storage works well, allowing you to put attractive items on display while hiding those that are less exciting, such as ironing boards and vacuum cleaners. 

If you’re a keen cyclist, having somewhere convenient to store your bike is a must. Hung on the wall, a bike can become a design feature rather than something that’s just in the way. The clever storage solution shown here incorporates a shelf for your helmet as well as your bike, keeping the two conveniently together. 

You're running late, it's pouring down outside and you can't find the brolly! Don't get caught out again – simply dedicate a home for umbrellas beside the front door. Whether it's inside a large vase, hung on a hook or stored inside a basket, make sure you have a savvy spot for keeping your brolly to hand. 

An old library cabinet or apothecary chest could be just the thing for storing all those annoying bits and bobs that don’t have anywhere else to live. Keys, parking permits, gloves, spare change – all of these would fit neatly into their own dedicated compartments. To be extra organised, you could even label each drawer. 

Highlight your entryway with pendant lights to match your scheme. These pretty aqua-blue glass designs mimic a watery ocean and, teamed with wall cladding, white wood furniture and nautical accessories, they set the tone for a coastal-themed home perfectly. If you, or a member of your household, are tall, positioning pendant lights to the side of the walkway makes sense. 

Your entryway probably requires flexible storage to meet many needs. Add plenty of stylish solutions by coordinating furniture and choosing a combination of open and closed cabinets to maximise the sense of space. The rich green shade of this metal furniture range transforms the mundane into a refreshing and colourful feature. 

Feeling inspired? Don't miss these easy ways to add colour to your home